Surf champ Mick Fanning PUNCHED shark to survive attack!

Aussie surf champ Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark at the final heat of a world tour event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, but escaped unhurt after he PUNCHED the shark in the back.

Mick was reportedly knocked off his board as he battled with the shark, while the world watched live on TV.

Despite the danger, friend and rival Julian Wilson paddled to Mick to help, saying he feared the worst when he saw Mick go under a wave.

The event was cancelled, with both men agreeing to take 2nd place.

Afterwards, Mick said it was the scariest thing he’s ever been through and uploaded a photo of a hug he shared with Julian to his Instagram account, adding “so thankful to be able to have this hug with Julian Wilson this man came to my aid like a warrior”.

7-time World Champ Layne Beachley says she never saw a shark in her decades in the water.

It’s believed this is the first time a shark attack has been caught on camera during a competition.